Be Careful, These Are 9 Signs of Undeveloped Fetus in Pregnant Women

Newly married couples certainly await the moment of pregnancy. When the test pack shows two blue lines, happiness is unstoppable. But do not be happy just yet. You need to make sure that the fetus is developing perfectly. The reason is, your joy can go if the fetus does not grow in the womb.

When the fetus does not develop or, in medical terms, is called a blighted ovum is a condition where the fetus doesn’t develop properly. This condition is also often referred to as a wine pregnancy. The undeveloped fetus is generally caused by poor sperm quality or egg condition. So even though pregnant women have maintained a healthy pregnancy in various ways, if the fertilization process is not perfect, then the risk of the fetus not developing can happen.

In addition, the fetus that does not develop can also be caused by infections, abnormalities, the influence of drugs, and unhealthy lifestyles. An undeveloped fetus can occur in early pregnancy or in the third trimester. So what are the characteristics of the fetus that is not developing? Come, see the following reviews.

1.   Unheard Heartbeat 

The first signs of an undeveloped fetus are an inaudible baby’s heartbeat. Generally, you can hear the baby’s heartbeat through ultrasound examination at 9-10 weeks of gestation. If the heartbeat is not audible at this age, you need to be vigilant.

In addition, in an older pregnancy, the fetal heartbeat that stops suddenly can also signify an undeveloped fetus. You need to know that an inaudible heartbeat can also be caused by the location or position of the baby, and this condition requires further examination to determine the exact cause, whether it is because the fetus is not developing, or other reasons.

2.        Decrease in the HCG Hormone

The characteristic of the fetus that does not develop in the next two months is a decrease in the hormone HCG. HCG hormone is a pregnancy hormone that is produced during pregnancy. This hormone is detected from pregnancy test kits or lab tests.

HCG hormone levels do fluctuate during pregnancy. But if the levels continue to decrease, you need to be suspicious. The HCG hormone that continues to decline can signify an undeveloped fetus that requires caution, and if it happens, you need to contact a doctor for further examination immediately.

Read more: The Process Of Fertilization And The Occurrence Of Pregnancy

3.        Morning Sickness Reduces

Morning sickness is typical in the first trimester of pregnancy. Generally, this complaint occurs in the 8th week to the 16th week of pregnancy. Morning sickness occurs due to the influence of the HCG hormone, which increases at the 10th week of pregnancy.

Morning sickness that decreases suddenly can be one of the signs of a fetus not developing in the first trimester. Especially if this condition is accompanied by signs of miscarriage, such as the appearance of spots or blood, then immediately contact a doctor to get immediate treatment. For this reason, enjoy morning sickness because morning sickness is a sign that your pregnancy is healthy.

4.        Small Fetus Size

Next, the sign of the fetus not developing in early pregnancy is the size of the fetus, which is relatively small. This condition is known as IUGR or IntraUterine Growth Restriction. The small size of the fetus is generally caused by inhibition of fetal growth in the womb.

Some causes of IUGR include anemia in pregnant women, diabetes, and kidney disorders. In addition, IUGR can also be caused by problems with the placenta. The placenta is an organ that is very important for fetal development because it functions to distribute nutrients from the mother to the fetus. If the placenta is problematic, then the food supply is disrupted, and the risk of the fetus not developing is high.

5.        Abnormal Fundal Height

The characteristics of a healthy 2-month fetus can also be seen and measured from the high fundus. Please note that measuring the height of the fundus is one way to unite whether the fetus is growing well or not. Usually, the size or height of the fundus will adjust to how old the womb is. The way to measure it is to measure the top of the uterus to the bone.

If the fundal height doesn’t match the average size, fetal development is suspected. It can happen if the amniotic fluid is low or if the fetus is in a breech position. However, this condition can also signify that the fetus is not developing correctly.

Read more: The Program For Pregnant With Twins Is Easy, Here’s How!

6.        No Fetal Movement

Apart from being detected from the fetal heart rate, the characteristics of the undeveloped fetus can also be seen from fetal movements. Generally, pregnant women begin to feel fetal movement at 16-20 weeks of gestation. Pregnant women will feel the fetal movement with increasing gestational age. However, if fetal movement weakens or even disappears, there are indications that the fetus is not developing.

You can move the fetus by stroking the stomach, talking to the baby, or drinking sweet drinks. If there is no response, immediately consult a doctor. The doctor will perform an ultrasound examination to see the fetus’s condition.

7.        Experiencing Severe Cramps

The characteristics of the fetus not developing at the age of 4 months can be marked by severe cramps felt by pregnant women. Indeed, stomach cramps are an ordinary condition that pregnant women often feel, but you must be suspicious if the cramps are severe.

Severe cramping can signify uterine contractions pushing the fetus into the birth canal. In addition, problems with the placenta are also the cause of painful cramps experienced by pregnant women. If the contractions or cramps are accompanied by the appearance of spots or blood and other signs, it could be one of the signs that the fetus is not developing.

8.        Premature rupture of membranes

Amniotic is a fluid that surrounds the uterus where the baby is in the mother’s belly. Amniotic fluid has a vital function and role during pregnancy. Commonly, the placenta will rupture by itself during pregnancy contractions or when it is time to give birth.

It would help if you were cautious when the membranes ruptured before delivery or premature rupture. This condition indicates that the growth and development of the fetus have stopped. Pregnant women need to give birth immediately when the amniotic fluid has ruptured, either through standard delivery or surgery.

Read more: Signs And Symptoms Of Pregnancy Disorders To Watch Out For

9.        Sudden Bleeding

Sudden bleeding can also be a sign that the fetus is not developing. This condition is often associated with fetal distress. Pregnant women often experience spots or light bleeding during pregnancy, but not sudden heavy bleeding.

Find immediate medical attention if you experience bleeding accompanied by severe abdominal pain and back pain. This condition can signify that the fetus has died in the womb because it failed to develop.

Those are nine signs of an undeveloped fetus that you need to know. Anyone can experience undeveloped fetuses. Therefore, do regular checkups during pregnancy and maintain a healthy lifestyle to develop appropriately.